t2 
JOURNAL, 
ineanders ; QToves of cotton v/ood and willow alone 
the wuttTs intersecting the landscapes in different 
direcUonsj dividing them into various forms, at 
leno th appearing like dark clouds and sinking in the 
horizon ; these enlivened with the buffaloe, elk, deer, 
and other animals which in- vast numbers feed upon 
the plains or pursue their prey, are the prominent 
objects, which compose the extensive prospects 
presented to the view and strike the attention of the 
beliolder. ^ 
The isl'inds in the Missouri are of various sizes ; 
in general not large and during high water mostly 
overflowed. 
There are Indian paths j^lang the Missouri and 
some in other parts of the country. Those along 
that river do not generally follow its windings but 
cut off points of land and pursue a direct coursei 
There are also roads and paths made by the buffa- 
loe and other animals ; socne of the buffaloe roads 
are at least ten feet wide. We did not embark this 
morning until 8 o'clock. The day wirs fine, but 
the wind ahead. We had diflicult w^ater, and passed 
through the most dismal country I ever beheld ; no- 
thing but barren mountains on both sides of the ri- 
ver, as far as our view could extend. The bed of the 
river is rocky, and also the banks and hills in some 
places ; but these are chiePiy of earth. We went 
thirteen miles and encamped in a bottom, just large 
enoiii^h fc^r the purpose, and made out to get enough 
*f drift w^ood to cook with. 
Tuesday 2Bik. AYe set sail early, had a fine morn- 
ings and proceeded on through this desert country un° 
till about 4 o'clock P. M. when Ave came to a more 
pleasant part. We made twenty-one miles and en^ 
earn ped on th^ North side. 
lVed?2.^sdaif 29^//. We proceeded on early and had 
fine morning ; passed two rivers, one on each side. 
At 12 it became doudy and k'ljaa to nvUi» We 
